Dear SVIN Members,

As we turn the page to 2026, there is a palpable sense of energy and renewed purpose within our Society. The start of a new year is not just a change on the calendar; it is an opportunity to reset our strategic goals and renew our commitment to the patients who rely on our care.

A Note of Gratitude

Our progress wouldn't be possible without strong leadership. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our outgoing Board of Directors and now Past President Thanh Nguyen. Your dedication, strategic vision, and countless hours of volunteer service have steered SVIN to new heights. We are a stronger society because of your stewardship.

Looking forward to 2026

As I begin my term as President, I want to thank each of you for your trust and for the work you do every day—clinically, academically, and through your service to SVIN. We have built something truly special together, and 2026 is a year to execute with focus, ambition, and unity.

We enter 2026 dedicated to fulfilling SVIN’s core mission of advancing stroke and interventional neurological care globally. This year, we are focused on execution, dedicating our efforts to:

1. Advancing “SVIN without borders” through global collaboration and mission-driven program development.
   We will continue to support international growth in stroke systems of care, training, and education, while strengthening SVIN’s role as a global home for our field. This endeavor is lead by our internationally-known initiative Mission Thrombectomy at global level and many achievements will be presented to you throughout the year through newsletters and Webinars.
2. Strengthening multidisciplinary integration within SVIN and across partner societies
   The best stroke systems succeed when we work together. We will continue integrating and engaging colleagues across subspecialties—including neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists—within SVIN collaborations, and we will continue conversations with national and international sister societies to create meaningful opportunities for SVIN members to participate in their scientific meetings and educational initiatives. This year, we have secured important representation and visibility for SVIN, including participation through our combined SVIN–AHA  Session within the International stroke conference, as well as engagement and an SVIN Session at major international meetings such as the European Stroke Conference (Netherlands) and WNLC (Lisbon). Building on this momentum, we will work with SVIN leadership to enhance, maintain, and expand our presence across key international conferences—intentionally elevating junior and mid-career members as panelists and speakers to help disseminate both our science and our spirit.
3. Expanding advocacy efforts beyond Mission Thrombectomy—engaging policymakers, payers, and partners responsibly
   We will initiate further advocacy efforts to support access to high-quality thrombectomy care worldwide, including thoughtful evaluation of partnerships with sister societies and industry. Our goal is to engage national policymakers and payers with clear, data-driven messages that support patient access, appropriate reimbursement, and sustainable stroke systems of care.
4. Commitment to the next generation.
   SVIN’s future depends on how well we support and empower the next generation of clinicians, scientists, and leaders. In 2026, we will work with the appropriate committees to: evaluate increased funding opportunities for young investigators, expand collaborations within our registry, and continue bringing new leaders into SVIN committees and initiatives.

   In addition, we are actively planning and building educational opportunities specifically designed for trainees and early-career members and industry partners, including:

   1. The 2nd SVIN Cerebral Venous Disorders Symposium in New York under the leadership of Dr. Athos Patsalides. More information will be provided in the upcoming months.
   2. Our second annual Fellows Course in Chicago this summer, led by Dr. Tareq Kass-Hout
   3. Our SVIN Neuro Interventional Bootcamp, taking place April 17-18, 2026 in Los Angeles

Finally, I want to emphasize my open-door policy. We will soon share a clear channel for communication with SVIN leadership—whether you have concerns, ideas, projects, or proposals. If it can strengthen our Society and improve patient care, we want to hear it.

It has been a great pleasure to meet and work with you, our volunteers from our society, committee leaders, and the community at large. I wish to recognize and thank you, our SVIN volunteers and our committee leaders, who are our bedrock. You drive the many missions of our society forward.

Thank you for your continued membership and trust. Let’s make 2026 a landmark year for vascular and interventional neurology together.

Sincerely,

Santiago Ortega-Gutierrez, MD, MSc, FSVIN, FAHA

Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Radiology
President, Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology

2026-2027 Board of Directors